Phalakasana - Long Stretch
In Yoga: Fundamentally, it is an adapted, standing, angled version of Phalakasana (Plank Pose) against gravity. At the same time, because the arms extend upward and forward, it can be considered a resisted form of Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute Pose) or a practice of Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III) where the feet remain on the ground. In Pilates: It is the exact standing equivalent of the famous "Long Stretch" series performed on the Reformer or "The Lean" posture on the Wunda Chair. The goal is to keep the body stable and unbending "like a board" (plank).
Works While the strap supports the hips, the entire posterior chain of the body works with a tremendous isometric (static) contraction to prevent the upper torso from falling forward (toward the ground) due to gravity: · Erector Spinae (Spinal Erectors) · Gluteus Maximus (Glutes) and Hamstrings · Deltoids (Shoulders) and Trapezius
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